Originally Posted by
dcdavido
What the airlines don't take into account is the cost of customer acquisition. "Fire" a doughnut hole customer and you have to replace something like 20 trips a year. That's the problem UA has and why PRASM is suffering. My $15k in business was replaced by 20 trips and $10k in kayakers - if they are lucky.
I was UA, now AA. But I am running out of places to run to. My next step will to fly whatever airline is cheapest, most convenient, or where I can "buy" a cheap upgrade. No loyalty.
I'm right there with you.
I fly refundable fares for work, but personal travel is leisure fares. Take away my incentive to be loyal and my only loyalty is to my wallet at that point. I'll fly whoever has the best value proposition at the time.
I can fly WN nonstop to a lot of places out of BWI. I don't HAVE to put up with crap from UA, DL, AA or anyone else.